Australia SkillSelect: from skills assessment to invitation

The order that works

1. Skills assessment with the assessing authority for your occupation (ACS for ICT, Engineers Australia, CPA/CA ANZ/IPA for accountants, VETASSESS for many others).
2. English test: proficient (7 each) is +10, superior (8 each) is +20.
3. Expression of Interest in SkillSelect. You can select 189, 190 and 491 in one EOI.
4. Invitation: your points are checked on the day you are invited, so a birthday or an expired test can change them.

Points that move the needle

• English: up to 20 points.
• Partner skills: 10 points if your partner has a skills assessment and competent English.
• NAATI community language: 5 points.
• Professional Year: 5 points (ICT, accounting, engineering graduates in Australia).
• Nomination: 190 adds 5, 491 adds 15.

Reality check

The pass mark is 65 but most occupations have needed 85-100 in recent 189 rounds. The June 2026 round issued 10,000 invitations with minimums from 65 to 100 depending on occupation. State nomination is often the realistic route.

What is changing

The government has confirmed a redesigned points test planned for 1 July 2027. SpeedVisa will update its calculator when the regulation is published.